Q. Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?
(a) Nat Bhairavi
(b) Kamavardhini
(c) Hanumatodi
(d) Dheera Shankarabharanam

Answer : 21

Explanation:

Option (a) is not correct: Nat Bhairavi is the Carnatic equivalent of the Asavari Thaat in Hindustani classical music, which resembles the natural minor scale.
Option (b) is not correct: Kamavardhini (also known as Pantuvarali) corresponds directly to the Purvi Thaat in Hindustani music, utilizing sharp and flat notes distinct from Bilawal.
Option (c) is not correct: Hanumatodi is the Carnatic counterpart to the Bhairavi Thaat of the Hindustani system, featuring four flat notes.
Option (d) is correct: Dheera Shankarabharanam is the 29th Melakarta raga in Carnatic music. It uses all natural notes (Suddha Swaras), making it structurally identical to Raga Bilawal, which is the foundational major scale (Suddha Thaat) of Hindustani music.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinion/2026/Jan/25/faithline-shankarabharanams-grace